Together in Rural Unity

Shea Backus

Emerge Nevada, the state’s premier organization for recruiting and training Democratic women to run for political office, announced today that it has selected its 2017 class. This year’s group of future women political leaders was limited to women who intend to run for office within the next three years. Many have never been involved in grassroots politics before, which is owed to new and historic interest after the 2016 election. The women hail from both the north and southern parts of Nevada, come from diverse backgrounds, spanning the spectrum of races, sexual orientation, socioeconomic levels and professional experiences.

“Emerge Nevada is thrilled to welcome our class of 2017,” said Marla Turner, President of Emerge Nevada. “Our organization selected exceptional applicants, who will seize on political opportunities once they are given the tools necessary to run an effective campaign. Given the results of the November election and the need for Democrats to regain power they’ve lost over the last few cycles, these women’s voices are needed in our government now more than ever.”

Emerge Nevada’s training program offers Democratic women who want to run for public office a unique opportunity. Women who are accepted receive 90 hours of in-depth education over six months that inspires them to run for office and gives them the tools to win. The program’s trainers are comprised of an elite team of campaign consultants, advisors and staff from all over the country, who have been involved in some of the most successful campaigns and initiatives seen in recent election cycles.

Participants learn from these experts and develop practical knowledge in areas such as public speaking, fundraising, campaign strategy, voter contact, media and messaging and others. Candidates also meet an array of dynamic women who hold elected and appointed office and become a part of a supportive network, which includes a national association of Emerge alumnae, the Emerge board and advisory council members.

“I’m excited to be a part of Emerge Nevada’s 2017 class and am looking forward to learning how I can use my skills and experience to chart a path to a successful career in politics,” said Alison Brasier. “While Nevada is doing better than most states, our government in general doesn’t have nearly enough women serving in it. I hope my classmates and I will go on to become Nevada’s next generation of female political leaders.”

Emerge Nevada has a proven track record for getting Democratic women elected. Since the organization launched in 2007, the program has equipped more than 150 women with the skills needed to bring change to their communities. More than 65% of the alumnae have gone on to run for political office or been appointed to local boards or commissions, and of those who have gone on to run for an elected position, 89% have won. Emerge Nevada’s commitment to diversity also means that the women selected for the program come from a multitude of different backgrounds and all walks of life.

“The results of the 2016 election were certainly a wakeup call for me,” said Tacy Geesaman. “The morning after, I decided that I wasn’t going to wait for other people to make my community, state and country a better place. It was time for me to step up myself.”

Criteria for selection into the class included, evidence of political leadership experience or potential; meaningful involvement in workplace or community; interest in pursuing political office; demonstrated ability to bring together disparate groups to achieve a goal; ability and desire to build effective networks; ability to articulate a personal political vision; demonstrated ability to inspire others; and commitment to full participation and attendance requirements of the trainings. Applicants had to be registered Democrats. Women of all ages, races, nationalities, marital status, religious affiliations, sexual orientations and physical abilities were encouraged to apply.